In response to the Saudi healthcare reform: a cross-sectional study of awareness of and attitudes toward the public health model among health students

Background

Saudi Arabia's health sector is experiencing a significant transformation toward an emphasis on the public health model. This model is a population-based approach to preventing and controlling disease, and its importance becomes evident during infectious outbreaks and pandemics, such as COVID-19. This study aimed to assess the awareness and attitudes of health students in Jazan toward the public health model.

Methods

This study applied a cross-sectional online survey. Data were collected from 3-18 November 2020 using Google Forms. A convenience sampling method was used with a final sample of 425 participants.

Results

Most participants (71%) were aware of the public health model, with an average score of 11.36 out of 16. Multiple regression analysis revealed a significant association between the awareness level of the public health model and participants' demographics, namely, gender, major of study, year of study, and prior training in public health. Participants who completed public health training (β = 0.220) had higher awareness scores than others. On the other hand, participants from public health (β = -0.342), medicine (β = 0.164), and nursing in Jazan (β = 0.128) had higher awareness of the public health model than the reference group (Nursing at Addayer College). Addayer is an area located in the rural northeast of the Jazan region. In addition, final-year students (β = 0.113) had higher awareness of the public health model than the reference group (year 2 pre-final students). Female participants (β = -0.142) had lower awareness of the public health model than male participants. Most participants (95.3%) believed that the clinical care and public health models are essential for promoting people's health. However, 4.7% of participants believed that clinical health care is more important than public health.

Conclusion

Health students, who are future healthcare professionals, must understand and value the public health model to support the planned health system reforms. It is recommended to evaluate how the education and training of students in public health, medicine, and nursing in Jazan impact the understanding and views of this cohort on the public health model compared to those of students in other health-related majors.

Evaluation of the Knowledge of the Most Common Cancers Among Health Students at Jazan University, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND

Cancer is a major public health problem worldwide, and medical students are expected to have adequate knowledge and awareness of the most common types of cancer. This study aimed to assess the cancer knowledge of medical students at Jazan University, Saudi Arabia, focusing on breast cancer (BC), prostate cancer (PC), cervical cancer (CC), and colorectal cancer (CRC).

METHODS

This study employed a self-administered survey to evaluate both general and specialized knowledge of cancer types. A total of 321 medical students from different academic years participated in the study. The questionnaire used a scoring system where each correct answer was given one point, and each incorrect answer or "I don't know" response was given zero points.

RESULTS

The overall knowledge scores were 18.75 ± 4.43 out of 28 (67%). The students had a good level of general knowledge about cancer (5.26 ± 1.44 out of 7, 75%) and breast cancer (5.47 ± 1.44 out of 7, 78%) and a moderate knowledge level of prostate cancer (2.83 ± 1.07 out of 4, 71%), cervical cancer (2.74 ± 1.53 out of 5, 55%), and colorectal cancer (2.55 ± 1.61 out of 5, 50%). There were significant differences in cancer knowledge by gender, academic year, and having a relative or friend with cancer. All types of cancer knowledge were positively and significantly correlated with each other.

CONCLUSION

This study revealed the strengths and weaknesses of cancer knowledge among medical students at Jazan University, Saudi Arabia. The overall score for knowledge indicated a moderate level. The students had some knowledge about cancer prevention, detection, and treatment, but some gaps and misconceptions need to be addressed. More education and awareness programs are necessary to improve cancer literacy among students and promote healthy behaviors that can reduce cancer risk.

A Systematic Scoping Review of Motivations and Barriers in COVID-19 Volunteering Among Health Students: The Potential for Future Pandemic Volunteers

Background

The high number of cases of COVID-19 has caused an increase in workload and a shortage of medical personnel in various countries, so volunteers are needed, such as health students. However, becoming a volunteer during a pandemic is influenced by motivational factors and barriers.

Purpose

This study aims to identify the motivations and barriers of health students as COVID-19 volunteers.

Methods

This study uses a systematic scoping review. A literature review was conducted using CINAHL, PubMed, and ScienceDirect databases. The study was eligible for inclusion if it included articles published from 2020 to 2022, full-text, and primary studies. Studies were excluded if they were not in English. The keywords used in English were "health students OR nursing students OR medical students" AND "motivation OR willingness" AND "Barriers" AND "volunteer OR volunteering OR volunteerism OR voluntary" AND "COVID-19 OR covid-19 OR SARS-CoV-2 OR COVID-19 pandemic". Study quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) appraisal tool.

Results

We found 12 articles showing motivational factors and barriers among health students volunteering to control COVID-19. Motivational factors include domain values, understanding, enhancement, career, incentive, government, social, and demographics. In contrast, barriers include fear, lack of training and knowledge, PPE shortage, unpreparedness and role uncertainty, and lack of interest, support, and protection.

Conclusion

Our findings highlight that eight motivational factors and seven barriers influence health students' involvement in COVID-19 volunteering. However, to optimize the potential of health students, further preparation is essential to ensure that students can volunteer effectively, such as integrating volunteer training programs into the curriculum in preparation for future pandemic mitigation.

An Assessment of Dementia Knowledge and Its Associated Factors Among Health College Students in Saudi Arabia

Background Dementia is a public health concern and the main cause of impairment and dependency among the elderly worldwide. It is characterized by a progressive decline in cognition, memory, and all domains of quality of life with preserving the level of consciousness. Accurate measurement of dementia knowledge among future health professionals is required to improve targeted educational initiatives and supportive care of patients. This study aimed to assess knowledge of dementia and its associated factors among health college students in Saudi Arabia. Methods A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among health college students from various regions in Saudi Arabia. Data on sociodemographic characteristics and dementia knowledge were gathered using a standardized study questionnaire Dementia Knowledge Assessment Scale (DKAS) distributed on different social media platforms. Data analysis was carried out using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 24.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA) statistical software. A P-value of <0.05 was considered significant. Results A total of 1,613 participants were included in the study. The mean age was 20.5 ± 2.5 years (range 18-25 years). The majority of them were males (64.9%), and females represented 35.1%. The mean knowledge score of the participants was 13.68 ± 3.18 (out of 25). According to DKAS subscales, we found that the respondents scored the highest in care considerations (4.17 ± 1.30) and the lowest in risks and health promotion (2.89 ± 1.96). Furthermore, we found that the participants with no previous dementia exposure had a significantly higher level of knowledge than those with previous dementia exposure. In addition, we found that both genders, aged 19, 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25 years; the geographic distribution of respondents; and previous dementia exposure significantly affected the DKAS score. Conclusions Our findings showed that health college students in Saudi Arabia had poor knowledge about dementia. Ongoing health education and comprehensive academic training are recommended to improve their knowledge and provide competent care for dementia patients.

From the World to Western: A Community-Engaged Teaching Strategy to Enhance Students' Learning of Cultural Issues Relevant to Healthcare

Using the transformational learning theory and action research method, this study captured the experiences of students from health-related disciplines in the cultural immersion program From the World to Western. A total of nine students participated in the pilot program with four host families from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds, and four cultural facilitators who connected the host families and students. The findings of this research showed that it was beneficial for students in health-related disciplines to engage in the cultural immersion program to further prepare them for culturally competent care in their future roles as healthcare professionals. In addition, the students indicated the need for the cultural immersion program to be part of the curriculum for future students to develop cultural skills, awareness and encounters with diverse populations.

"Titer of anti-HBs in health professions trainees: prevalence of antibody coverage in a University of Central Italy"

Objective: This observational retrospective study aims at verifying hepatitis-B-virus (HBV) vaccination coverage in students vaccinated before and after 1992, in order to optimize health surveillance and vaccination recall.Methods: Vaccination status was evaluated using the anti-HBs antibody titer (anti-HBs). Student t-test and the chi-square test were performed to identify the average age and the difference in antibody coverage between the two genders and in the two populations analyzed.Results: Our study outlined a prevalence of 21.83% uncovered trainees among those vaccinated at age 12 and 45.03% among those vaccinated in neonatal age.Conclusion: In conclusion, our data showed persistent protection against HBV infection in healthcare students.

Validation of the Spanish-Mexican Version of the Australian Breastfeeding Attitude Questionnaire in Higher Education Health Students

Positive attitudes towards breastfeeding in health professionals/students have been associated with increasing their confidence to provide support and accompaniment to mothers. In Mexico, there is no valid/reliable tool to assess attitudes towards breastfeeding in this population. The Australian Breastfeeding Attitudes (and Knowledge) Questionnaire (ABAQ) measures attitudes in the Australian population. We aimed to adapt and validate the ABAQ in Mexican health students. We included 264 health students (nursing, nutrition, and medicine) from the University of Guadalajara. Bilingual translators carried out the Spanish adaptation with a reverse translation into English. Experts evaluated the content validity. Reliability was evaluated through an internal consistency analysis (Cronbach’s alpha) and construct validity through convergent–divergent validation, item–total correlation, exploratory factor analysis (by principal components), and confirmatory factor analysis. According to the exploratory factor analysis, only one component was identified. Seven items were removed (low correlation between items ≤0.2 and low factor load ≤0.3). The Cronbach’s alpha was 0.78. According to the confirmatory factor analysis, the one-factor solution of the ABAQ-13Mx showed a good model fit (X² = 98.41, G = 62, p = 0.02, CFI = 0.940, and RMSEA = 0.048). The ABAQ-13Mx is a reliable and valid instrument for evaluating attitudes towards breastfeeding in Mexican health degree students.

Reflexivity and expansive learning theory in interprofessional workplace learning

Our aim in this article was to combine the theories of reflexivity and expansive learning theory to elucidate how they may interact in interprofessional health student teams' learning activities in the workplace. According to Margaret Archer reflexivity is "the regular exercise of the mental ability, shared by all normal people, to consider themselves in relation to their (social) context and vice versa." It stems from the individual's inner dialogue. In interprofessional student teams, the participants' inner dialogs may interplay, forming team reflexivity. We have elucidated how individual reflexivity and team reflexivity are related in the workplace. Expansive learning theory focuses on the learning possibilities in the zone of proximal development. Working through contradictions, the team may develop the object, which may be something drastically new. We regard team reflexivity as a driving force for elucidating and differentiating complex contradictions, stimulating the development of the object. Our study may inspire educators to further develop the pedagogical design of their interprofessional courses. We describe how team reflexivity may be facilitated in the student team activity, among the health-care staff, and in the administrative collaboration between educational institutions and governmental health services.

Knowledge and Attitudes Towards Abortion and Euthanasia Among Health Students in Papua New Guinea

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to explore knowledge and attitudes of health program students towards ethical issues pertaining to the beginning and the end of human life, and associations between these attitudes and demographic variables.

PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS

The study took a mixed-method approach with self-administered survey questionnaires and in-depth interviews. A total of 88 students participated in the survey, and 10 students participated in interviews. The study was conducted among students in the Health Extension Program at a Christian university in Papua New Guinea.

RESULTS

Students showed a higher acceptance of abortion than euthanasia. More year-4 students presented significantly deeper knowledge of euthanasia and abortion compared to year-1 students. There were no gender differences regarding knowledge and attitude towards these two bioethical issues. The majority of students opposed the idea of women's right to abortion, which is attributed mainly to socio-cultural reasons. The qualitative analysis indicated a very strong perception that having children 'defines' womanhood and also revealed general disapproval of any form of euthanasia. A low level of acceptance of various forms of euthanasia is associated with a respect for older people in Melanesian society and beliefs that ancestors' support is required for achieving prosperity in life.

CONCLUSION

The study offered a comprehensive description and analysis of students' knowledge and attitudes towards ethical issues pertaining to the beginning and the end of human life. Presented a low level of knowledge towards bioethical issues, together with a small proportion of the knowledge gained from lectures and tutorials, indicated inadequate teaching of bioethics and calls for further improvement. In the perspective of rapid social and cultural changes in the Papua New Guinea society, further studies on changing attitudes towards bioethics issues would be valuable.

Open educational resources in immunology education

The use of computers as a pedagogical resource is currently on the rise. In the case of immunology, students present difficulties in visualizing molecular phenomena. Thus the use of animations and simulations available on the internet might facilitate the learning of complex immunological concepts. In this context, it is important to map and assess the currently available resources that may be used for educational purposes. This study comprises the search and analysis of educational immunology software freely available on the internet, which can aid students and health professionals in effective learning and continuing education scenarios. A detailed search in English on the existence of free software was carried out on websites and scientific databases. The results clearly indicate a lack of freely available and scientifically validated immunology educational software, despite the existence of several software programs that could be used as auxiliary teaching tools.

Basic Life Support Training Methods for Health Science Students: A Systematic Review

The acquisition of competencies in basic life support (BLS) among university students of health sciences requires specific and updated training; therefore, the aim of this review was to identify, evaluate, and synthesise the available scientific knowledge on the effect of training in cardiorespiratory resuscitation in this population. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in MEDLINE, CUIDEN, Web of Science, Wiley Online Library, CINAHL, and Cochrane, including all randomised clinical trials published in the last ten years that evaluated basic life support training methods among these students. We selected a total of 11 randomissed clinical trials that met the inclusion criteria. Participants were nursing and medicine students who received theoretical and practical training in basic life support. The studies showed a great heterogeneity in training methods and evaluators, as did the feedback devices used in the practical evaluations and in the measurement of quality of cardiorespiratory resuscitation. In spite of the variety of information resulting from the training methods in basic life support, we conclude that mannequins with voice-guided feedback proved to be more effective than the other resources analysed for learning.

Using digital story telling to assess health students' knowledge of interprofessional roles in the care of the older adult

Background

Digital story telling (DST) is an innovative way to allow students to assess the care needs of an older adult and creates an opportunity for interdisciplinary involvement. Traditionally, a single healthcare discipline approach is used by higher education institutions for preclinical training in the care of the older adult. Interprofessional learning (IPL) is generally not integrated well into the health professional curricula of Australian Universities.

Aim

To explore the use of Mask-Ed as a way of eliciting students understanding of their roles in patient care and to determine readiness for IPL in a cohort of health students prior to clinical placement.

Method

An online survey of students prior to their first clinical placement was undertaken. The survey incorporated a digital story of a Mask-Ed character and the readiness for IPL scale.

Results

Students recognised the importance of IPL. However, only 25% of students had an advanced understanding of their own roles and no student showed an advanced understanding of the other disciplines roles in the care of the older adult.

Conclusions

In this study, DST using Mask-Ed assisted with students' understanding of interprofessional roles in the care of the older adult. Our findings demonstrated that IPL is important, and this was further enhanced by the use of Mask-Ed simulation.

How to attract health students to remote areas in Indonesia: a discrete choice experiment

BACKGROUND

Remote areas of Indonesia lack sufficient health workers to meet the health-care needs of the population. There is an urgent need for evidence regarding interventions to attract health workers and specifically health students to serve in remote areas. The aim of this research was to analyze the job preferences of health students to develop effective policies to improve the recruitment and retention of health students in remote areas.

METHODS

A discrete choice experiment was conducted to investigate health students' preferences regarding job characteristics. This study was conducted in three different regions of Indonesia, with a total included 400 health students. Mixed logit models were used to explore the stated preferences for each attribute.

RESULTS

Data were collected from 150 medical, 150 nursing and 100 midwifery students. Medical students gave the highest preference for receiving study assistance, while nursing students viewed salary as the most important. Midwifery students valued advanced quality facilities as an important attribute.

CONCLUSIONS

This study confirmed the importance of combination interventions in attracting and retaining health workers in remote areas of Indonesia. Money is not the only factor affecting student preferences to take up a rural post; good management and better facilities were viewed as important by all health students. Addressing health student preferences, which are the candidate of future health workforce, would help the nation solve the recruitment and retention issues. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.